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Walking difficulties

Many people with MS have some difficulties with walking. Often it is one of the first symptoms to be noticed, for example, if someone is stumbling or tripping more than before. However, these difficulties are common to a number of medical conditions and may not be caused by MS so it is important to get advice from a health professional.

Walking problems vary considerably from one person with MS to another. Common difficulties are:

The best way forward depends on what is causing the walking difficulties. A health professional, such as a GP, MS nurse or physiotherapist can advise. Treatment may involve physiotherapy or drug treatments to alleviate specific underlying symptoms such as spasticity.